Lanesboro Ballyleague
Top Class Accommodation
For far too long I have bemoaned on these notes the lack of accommodation in the Lanesboro Ballyleague area. During the past week I got word that the renovations at the residential part of the old Convent of Mercy was now completed by Chris and Claire Webb. They have converted the building to accommodate 10 on-suite rooms and judging by the photographs it is a fabulous job and it will be a privilege to be able to direct, with great confidence, those seeking accommodation down town to the Convent Guest House. The doors of the Convent Guest House, Main Street, Lanesboro, will officially open on Tuesday 1st March. If you or anyone you know is coming to Lanesboro and they are seeking accommodation in the height of comfort you can contact Chris or Claire at 085-2728268 or email conventbnb@gmail.com.
With a dearth of accommodation over the years it is absolutely fabulous that we now have accommodation in the area. It is a reason to be joyous and hopefully that this will be the first of many positive announcements in the area over the coming year.
We wish Chris and Claire and the children Max and Amy Lee the very best of luck for a hugely successful future.
Retirement
Eight years ago Peter Mullen was transferred to Lanesboro Garda station. Peter’s warm personality endeared him to everyone that came in contact with him. He has been in An Garda Síochána for over 33years. He began his career in Scotstown, Co Monaghan and soon afterwards he was transferred into the old division known as” The Longford/Westmeath Division”. He was stationed at Kenagh, Newtowncashel, Mullingar, Longford and Lanesboro Station’s. I am sad to announce that Peter will be retiring from the Garda force in the coming weeks.
He was a well-known Garda who was involved in many serious and challenging investigations. Peter was instrumental in setting up the text alert for Lanesboro which is proving to be very successful. He possessed a great local knowledge of the area and the community which is the corner-stone of An Garda Síochána. Peter was always seen as being just and fair in his dealings and was known as the Garda who always wore a smile on his face. He will be missed greatly by the community and his colleagues. We wish him the very best in his retirement.
Peter’s farewell retirement function will take place on this Friday night 19th February in St Faithleach’s G.A.A. Club at 9:30pm. Everyone is invited to go along and say their thanks to Peter.
Festival 2016 Meeting
At the meeting of the festival group in Sorohan’s on Wednesday last it was decided that there would be no festival in 2016 and that preparations would start immediately for a very exciting festival in 2017. There will be a big announcement in the very near future as to the exciting plans for 2017.
The next meeting will take place in The Yacht Bar and we would like invite anyone interested in being part of the group to come along for the 9pm start.
Talented People
Rathcline GAA held a Variety Concert in St. Mary’s Hall on Saturday night last. The night was thoroughly enjoyable made more so by the MC on the night Eamon O’Flaherty.
In years gone by the minor ran a successful show and I mentioned then as I do now about the outstanding talent that we have in our community. This was a cross community effort with many taking part from the Ballyleague side of our community and their community can equally be as proud of them as we on the Lanesboro side.
Furthermore, the Transition Year from Lanesboro Community College students also played a major role in the night. Saying they were brilliant would be an understatement.
The talent in our community is only fabulous and there is no doubt but it should be harnessed and developed into the future. There is undoubted talent and it should always be continuously used. From the exceptional talent of the solo musicians Adam Farrell son of Sean and Pauline Farrell, Ballyleague and Paul Prior son of Ciaran and Jacqui Prior through the actors, singers and dancers, both young and old, in Old Men Grooving, the Disco Bus, The Dressing Room scene, Disco Dance Mix, Back of the Church scene, The Choir, Celtic Thunder, The Lazy Song, The Morgue scene, Gerdie and Seamus Farrell and the Cloning scene there is unbelievable talent.
Great credit must go to mother and daughter team of Maura and Tracy Tobin, Rathcline Road, for their excellent work in preparing all the acts for this powerful night. There were a host of others who gave of their time on the night and they must be complimented for ensuring that we all had a great night.
Parking at Mass Times
It has been brought to my attention that parking particularly on the Green at Masses not only at weekends but at Masses during the week is not particularly good. The slip road for crossing straight over to the Church Road is sometimes blocked with a parked car and this must be clear at all times. The parking should be only on one side of the road only to allow for ambulances and Fire Brigades, if necessary, to gain unobstructed entry to the Green. The pathway coming from the houses should also be kept clear for access for people in wheelchairs allowing access onto the road.
Since the plea for one side parking only from the top of the road down past John and Barbara Ferguson’s gate your response has been magnificent and you should be thanked for your thoughtfulness. Let us hope that the parking on the Green will improve greatly too and there will be no further complaints.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will again take place in Lanesboro Ballyleague on St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday 17th March.
Now is the time for everyone to be preparing their floats and gathering their ideas as to how they will support the parade on St. Patrick’s Day.
As usual there will be the customary number of prizes for the outstanding floats and shop displays. This year there will be a prize for the best centenary float. More details will in the next couple of weeks.
Parent and Child Health Promotion
The Shannon Gaels Minor club will host a Parent & Child Health Promotion Workshop on Tuesday next 23rd February in the Rathcline clubhouse in Clonbonny from 6.30 to 7.30. Every parent is encouraged to come along to this very important Promotion and the club welcomes everyone to the event.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Sheila and Ted Falvey and family, Moher on the death of Sheila’s father Thomas Feaheny, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick on Friday 5th February.
50/50
The weekly 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 8th February in the Adie’s Bar. The winner was Tom Mullen, Colehill who received €330. Envelopes are on sale from club members in local shops and pubs and in O’Brien’s.
Sponsored Canoe
Junior Hannon is about to fulfil a burning ambition when he will undertake the mammoth canoe from Lanesboro to Limerick. He will take on this feat commencing on Friday 27th May. Junior is doing this canoe to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society and he would like that everyone would sponsor and help this excellent cause and who are doing great work in their attempts to help fight cancer. Sponsorship cards are in O’Brien’s and many outlets throughout the area
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Frank and Maureen Curley, Strokestown Road on the sudden death of Frank’s brother Michael Curley, Templemore, Co. Tipperary on Monday last 8th February.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday night last 10th February are; N/S 1st Frank and Frances Brennan, 2nd Una Clarke and Eileen Kelly and 3rd Bernadette Clancy. E/W 1st Philomena Walsh and Katharine Harrison, 2nd Patsy Canavan and Maureen Hynes and 3rd Una Lawlor and Brid Mc Dermott.
The Pair Competition will take place on Wednesday 17th and Wednesday 24th February. Those playing must be there for 7.30pm so that play can commence at 7.45pm sharp.
Rathcline EGM
The Rathcline EGM took place on Sunday last as the club attempts to fill the position of Chairman at the AGM proved unsuccessful. The meeting on Sunday last also failed to provide an outcome. The third meeting to appoint a Chairman will take place in the clubhouse on Monday night next 22nd February at 8pm
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club
Scuba training continues in the pools for new trainees. Lecture next Thursday will be on ear, sinus and lungs.
Thanks to Sean who stepped in for training.
Congrats to all who took to the Shannon for the first fin of the year. All divers must complete three fins in order to pass requisite for the Easter dive (CFT rules). All trainees must have medicals prior to any water exercises.
Emer is taking deposits for the diving holiday next September.
Search and Recovery refresher course postponed to a later date.
First dive of the year is planned for Easter weekend. For accommodation details contact Shane.
Finally, there are still jackets to be collected.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Paddy and Ann Kelly and family, Cullentra and the extended Kelly and Nolan families on the death of Mrs. Mary Kelly, Carrowbeg, Newtowncashel on Friday last 12th February.
Novena Bus
The Novena Hope, The Grann Enniskillen on Sunday 28th February. One of the speakers is: Father Brian Darcy. Contact Seamus the bus driver on 0863901060
Lanesboro Library
Art Class: Art class 2 with Nicolette continues in Lanesboro Library on Wednesday 17th February at 8pm. The Cost of the course is €10.00 per night.
Young Scientist of the Year: The Young Scientist of the Year award winning projects of Adam Farrell, Mark Lyons and Brian Lyons are on display in the library for the month of February. Drop in and have a browse at their wonderful work!
Set Dancing Classes
Set Dancing Classes takes place in St Faithleach`s Clubhouse on Tuesday nights at 8p.m. Nominal charge, pay as go. Everyone welcome, a good night guaranteed.
Vacancies
24/7 Care Services, Derrane, have vacancies for part time care workers, flexible hours, experience necessary. There are also Community Employment vacancies for eligible persons in both caring, clerical and bus driving. Please send your CV to info@rosdisabilities.ie or phone 090 6625852.
Victims Assistance
Victim Assistance is a voluntary organisation that provides emotional and practical assistance to all victims of crime and traumatic incidents. The local branch is now recruiting members. Full training is provided and all applicants will be Garda vetted. If you are interested in helping Victims of Crime you are asked to contact Victims Assistance National Office 066-7119830or email fedva@eircom.net. The website is www.victimassistanceireland.com
Educational Guidance Service
You are invited to meet the guidance team of the Co. Longford Adult Educational Guidance Service to explore your educational options at the training centre, Church Street, Longford on Tuesday next 23rd February between 10am and 12.30pm. You can make further details by phoning 043-3348177 or email claegs@lwetb.ie
R.H.S. Homecare
RHS Homecare is a not for profit community home care service provider, set up as a co-operative society with charitable status, which provides a wide range of top quality, affordable home care to people. If you or a family member require homecare assistance, please phone 0906625988.
RHS are also seeking Carers to support the service and if you are interested you are invited to email your CV to jobs@rhshomecare.ie
Lough Ree Angling Hub
Table Quiz Thanks: The Lough Ree Lanesborough angling hub wish to thank everyone for supporting last week’s Table Quiz for the Hub at the Yacht Bar in Lanesborough. Congrats to the winners on the night Jimmy and Mary Mangan, Marie and Michael Cleary. Special thanks to our quiz master Eamonn Bolger, Tina and Eithne who co-ordinated the quiz and Alan and Martha Farrell for the hospitality. Thanks also to everyone who provided a spot prize.
This quiz was the first of four taking place in the run up to the summer and the staging of 5 major fishing events here on Lough Ree in Lanesborough/Ballyleague in 2016.
The other 3 table quiz dates and venues are: Friday March 4th at 9.30pm: The Lifebelt, Ballyleague Friday April 1st at 9.30pm: The Swan Tavern, Lanesborough Friday May 6th at 9.30pm, Clarkes Bar, Lanesborough
All funds raised will help us to promote and market the area at home and abroad in advance of these major events which are taking place in the area this year: June Bank Holiday weekend: June 3-6th: International Coarse Fishing Competition. July 2/3: Qualifying event No 1 for places on the Irish team to take part in World Predator Boat championships here in October. August 6/7: Qualifying event No 2 for places on the Irish team to take part in World Predator Boat championships here in October. September: All Ireland Boat Championship here on Lough Ree on a date to be confirmed. October 5-10: World Predator Boat Fishing Championships with 200 competitors from 15 countries coming here for 6 days and 5 nights. It is now expected that local angling clubs will also hold additional Pike competition events between June and September October 7/8: Lakelands International Food & Craft Festival at the Marquee in Lanesborough car park
2016 is a major year for the regeneration of angling tourism locally with new accommodation and boat hire now required
If you would like to take part please contact Hugh Keane at 087 1010032 or e mail: loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com or www.loughree.ide or on Facebook.
Rathcline GAA
EGM – Our EGM was held on Sunday evening and a new chairman was not elected so a new committee could not be formed. Once again the attendance was very poor. We will now have another EGM on Monday 22nd February at 8pm in the clubhouse in Clonbonny. We would ask everyone with an interest in our club to please attend. The club is in a good position back in senior football and division 1 and we need a strong committee in place also.
Rathcline’s Variety Concert – On Saturday night we held our variety concert and a magnificent night was had by all. A huge amount of rehearsals and preparations went into the event and we would like to thank all our talented acts who took part. Thanks to Maura and Tracy Tobin for all their time and effort that they put into preparing the acts for the concert. Thanks also to the Transition Year students from Lanesboro Community College, to our MC on the night Eamon Flaherty, to the hall committee, to Gerry Conboy on sound and lighting, to Declan Gilmore who videoed the event, to our photographer Joe McGrath, to Michael J O’Reilly who edited the music and to the hard working committee who organised the whole event. Also thanks to those who sponsored raffle prizes; Marie Farrell (Ulster Bank), Johnston’s Pharmacy, Madaleine Murray and Gerard Farrell. Finally, thanks to all who attended the concert and always show their support for the club. It’s greatly appreciated. As with the theme of the final comedy act, we may CLONE some of our supporters to have in years to come!
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to Tom Mullen, Colehill, who was last week’s winner of €330 in our 50/50 draw. The draw is one of our main sources of income so it’s vital that we sell as many envelopes as possible. Envelopes cost €2 and are available in all local businesses.
Minor Club – New Executive – The following committee were recently elected to the minor club: Chairperson – Tina Dowd, Vice-Chairperson – Sharon Dowd, Secretary – Collette Wyse, Assistant Secretary – Mark Casey, Treasurer – Mary McGrath, Assistant Treasurer – Dominic McGrath, Children’s Officer – Bríd Gordon, PRO – Joe O’Brien. Best of luck to all in their new roles.
Parent & Child Health Promotion Workshop – The club are holding a Parent & Child Health Promotion Workshop on Tuesday evening 23rd February from 6.30pm – 7.30pm in the clubhouse. We urge all parents to please attend.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior O’Gara Cup D2: The Seniors had their first league match of the season with a win over St. Dominic’s. Result: St. Faithleach’s 0-12 St. Dominic’s 0-7. Team; A. Manning,
- Cox, C. Gunn, D. Nerney, K. Farrell, B. Murtagh (0-2), J. Walsh, D. Murray, H. Kenny, J. Hussey (0-1), C. Murtagh (0-8), A. Kenny, D. Rooney (0-1), A. Dooney, D. Hussey. Next game against St. Croan’s in Ballyleague on Feb 21st.
Minor League D2: The minors lost to Strokestown on Saturday 1-5 to 3-11. Team; M. O’Donnell, M. Gill, C. Mangan, K. Nerney, L. Parker, G. Carberry, C. Gannon, D. Kelly, D. Nerney, D. Cox, C. Smith, R. Guinan, L. Orsmby, S. Walsh, E. Tynan. Subs: J. Browne, K. O’Brien.
Presentation Night: Senior, Junior, U21/U20, Junior Ladies and Mother’s & Others presentation night takes place on Saturday 28th in the clubhouse, all welcome to attend.
Registration: For anyone who has still to register please contact Mary Margaret Hoare (Minor Boys), Bernie Scally (Minor Girls & Ladies), or Caroline Connaughton (Senior). Forms are available from any of the above, Family membership €100, Adult membership €60, U18/Students/Social €30.
Cards: Every Tuesday night in the Clubhouse at 8:30pm. Last week’s winners Brendan/ Jack Bannon, second Sean Cox/ Sean Parker and last game winners were Gerry/Michael Cleary.
Lotto: Numbers drawn 6,19,25 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and the jackpot stands at €12,000. The five €20 winners were Michael McDermott, Mark Casey, Michael Hanly, Patrick and Edel Gill, Henry and Jimmy.
Condolences: The club would like to extend their sympathy to Frank Curley and Family on the death of his brother Michael Curley, Templemore, the family of Packie Fox, Sheeaun, Curraghroe, and to Sheila Falvey on the death of her father Thomas Feaheny, Dromcollogher.